1969 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3

What a fantastic project; this ’69 300SEL 6.3 has been dry stored for the last 35 years and offers a remarkably solid basis for restoration.

The 6.3 itself needs little introduction. Mercedes engineer Erich Waxenberger created this factory hot rod by squeezing the 6.3-litre V8 from the Grosser limousine into the 300SEL saloon. At the time it was about the fastest four-door saloon you could buy.

Being a ’69 this is a desirable early 6.3, featuring the high-compression engine, vented rear brake discs, early-style gear selector and window switches on the doors.

In the absence of a Data Card we don’t know where this left-hand drive example was sold new, but we suspect the US as it has MPH clocks. However by the 80s it was certainly in South Africa. New, it wore Silver Grey paintwork, but we would guess that it was in the 80s it received a repaint in the current bronze.

In 1990 it was purchased by the last owner, who imported it into the UK. It was a running driving car that then went into storage until we acquired it.

This car has factory air conditioning, a sunroof, leather trim, Zebrano wood and factory underbody shields. Curiously it has one headrest on the front passenger seat.

Unlike many project 6.3s, the body underneath is in very good condition; not rusty and does not appear to have been previously repaired. The exterior body needs some work  and a repaint – there is some light damage to the left rear, which happened in storage – but the key areas like sills, arches wings and doors all appear to be solid. All the chrome work is in remarkably good order too.

The interior is very original, but we think the carpets have been replaced as they are in excellent condition. It has the desirable ivory steering wheel too.

The engine turns over smoothly, the suspension takes air and will hold up for a while.

The car is complete with the exception of the exhaust system, though there are downpipes in the boot.

Comes with a South African registration certificate, proof of taxes paid when imported to the UK and NOVA.

Overall, a fantastic opportunity to bring a very solid and complete 6.3 back to life.